GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A student is writing an argumentative essay and needs to ensure proper pronoun use. Which sentence demonstrates correct use of 'who' or 'whom'?
- AWhom is responsible for this project?
- BTo whom did you give the book?
- CShe is the student whom scored highest on the exam.
- DWho did you give the book to?
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. To whom did you give the book?
'Who' is a subjective pronoun (like 'he' or 'she') and acts as the subject of a verb. 'Whom' is an objective pronoun (like 'him' or 'her') and acts as the object of a verb or preposition. In option B, 'whom' is the object of the preposition 'to'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Whom' is incorrectly used here; it should be 'who' because it is the subject of the verb 'is responsible'. (If you can replace it with 'he' or 'she', use 'who').
- C. 'Whom' is incorrectly used here; it should be 'who' because it is the subject of the verb 'scored'. (She scored, not her scored).
- D. 'Who' is incorrectly used here; it should be 'whom' because it is the object of the preposition 'to'. (If you can replace it with 'him' or 'her', use 'whom').
Who vs. Whom
'Who' is a subjective pronoun (like 'he' or 'she') used as the subject of a verb. 'Whom' is an objective pronoun (like 'him' or 'her') used as the object of a verb or a preposition. A simple trick is to substitute 'he/him' or 'she/her' to test.
- Who = Subject (He, She).
- Whom = Object (Him, Her).
- Test by substitution: if 'he/she' works, use 'who'; if 'him/her' works, use 'whom'.
Memory trick: Who is the actor (subject), whom is the receiver (object).